The School of AthensRaphael

Apollo/AthenaThe two Pagan deities represent the rebirth of theclassical era as well as the decline of Catholic Church dominance. Apollo(left) is holding what iscalled a lira de braccio, a modern version of his traditional lyre. This further demonstrates Raphael’s analogical theme found throughout the fresco. Also shows renaissance theme of “Patron of the Arts”

ArchitectureLarge dome reminiscent oflate Romanesque architecture. Believed to be inspired by St. Peter’s cathedral (Bramante) which was a symbolof the composite ideals of Christian andPagan beliefs.

RaphaelRaphael placedhimself in his painting. This represents the return of the “man is the measure of all things’ philosophy that was prominent during the classical ages

EuclidThe greek geometer, is demonstrating a geometric diagram to some students. There is widespread agreement that Raphael was portraying Renaissance architect Bramante who aided Raphael in developing several aspects of the fresco

HeraclitusThe last figure painted in the fresco, the philosopher is painted with the features of Michelangelo who at the time had just completed his work on the Sistine Chapel. His representation is more of a homage rather than an allegory

“In contrast to that visible in the allegories of earlier painters, is such that the figures do not pay homage to, or group around the symbols of knowledge; they

do not form a parade. They move, act, teach, discuss and become excited”-Web Gallery of Art

PlatoIt is possible that Raphael intended for Plato to double as Leonardo Da Vinci.

Plato’s GesturePlatos finger gestures towards the sky. This is consistent with his overall philosophy that ideas are what are provide us with reality and concrete knowledge. Rather than material objects

Aristotle’s GestureAristotle’s finger gestures towards the ground. This is consistent with his overall philosophy that experience is what knowledge arises from. Aristotle was a strong advocate of evidence and concrete ideals.

Subjects at LeftThis section of the fresco represents the common ideals of grammar, arithmetic, and music. Notable figures here are: Pythagoras, Epicurius, and Heraclitus.

Subjects at RightThis section of the fresco represents the common concepts of geometry

and astronomy. Notable figures here are: Ptolemy and Zoroaster

Linear PerspectiveRaphael utilizes Brunelleschi’s principle of linear perspective. In his painting, all of the lines(most prominant in the architecture, converge in the center of the painting.

Pythagoras

Text

Ptolemy

AristotlePlato

His insouciant manner oflying on the steps symbolizes his philosophy of rejection of material things

DiogenesHe represents arithmetic which was an innovative idea during his time. Raphael is trying to express the innovative parallels between the two eras

Along with Aristotle, he is central to the many ideals and concepts that unite the Renaissance and the Classical era.

Along with Plato, he is central to the many ideals and concepts that unite the Renaissance and the Classical era.

The School of AthensRaphael

Ptolemy is holding a round globe, a model of his geographical ideas